Facials
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How should I prepare for my treatment?
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Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that will allow us access to your body.
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Be sure to eat a snack or small meal an hour or two before your appointment.
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If possible, avoid strenuous activity or exercise after your treatment.
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Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before and after.
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Do drink plenty of water before and after your treatment.
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Avoid using retinol products and stay out of the sun before a facial to reduce the chance of unwanted sensitivities.
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What does the treatment consist of?
Together we will review your medical history, health concerns, and current medications, including discussing your main skin concern and skincare goals.
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You will be asked to undress to your comfort level for your facial, as some bodywork on your upper body will also be done. Although uncomfortable at times, facials should be a relaxing experience, so please communicate openly with your esthetician about pressure, comfort level, and any allergies you might have. The goal of a facial is to provide a set of treatments that will cleanse, exfoliate, remove impurities and dead skin from the areas of attention, and end with a massage and a mask. All treatments use nutrient-rich, non-toxic products with proven actives to support optimal skin health and function. It is important to remember that you may not look picture-perfect immediately after your appointment as you may experience some redness for hours after your appointment.
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How does a facial help the skin?
Your skin continuously produces sebum (oils) and sweat. The skin also constantly generates new skin cells at the lower layer (the dermis) and sends them to the surface (the epidermis). As the cells rise to the surface, they gradually die and become filled with keratin. These keratinized skin cells are essential because they give our skin its protective quality. But they are constantly sloughing off to make way for younger cells. As we age, the process of cell turnover slows down. Cells start to build up unevenly on the skin’s surface, giving it a dry, rough, dull appearance. Exfoliation delivers a tighter, firmer, smoother look and feel to the skin and stimulates the production of new skin cells and collagen, which makes it easier for facial products like serums and lotions to penetrate. A couple of things to know about exfoliation:
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Over-exfoliation triggers the inflammatory response, leading to a compromised lipid barrier that won’t function properly, a sensitized skin condition, and accelerated premature aging.
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Be extra careful when exfoliating the delicate skin of your face. It’s easy to over-exfoliate. Talk to our advanced esthetician about the best product and frequency for your skin.
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Overusing peels can remove too much of your protective layer and expose the living dermis.
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Microdermabrasion can make thin, aging skin even thinner if you get too many treatments too quickly.
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Avoid the sun after microdermabrasion or peels.
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Never use body scrubs on the face. They’re too rough.
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Never wax if you’ve had a peel recently. It might expose raw, living skin, which must scab over to heal.
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What about after?
As with most modalities, the effects vary among individuals and are based on your sensitivity and the treatment strategy itself. To maximize your facial, keep the skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables after treatment. Do not touch your face, pick at pimples, or use heavy make-up after your facial, nor visit a sauna or steam room after, and avoid wax or laser treatments on your face for at least a week. Your facialist will make customized recommendations for an at-home treatment plan and follow-up treatments to help you with your skincare goals. Regular treatments are encouraged every 4-6 weeks to maintain your body's innate wellness.